About Christian A. Prada, MD
One of the guiding principles Dr. Christian A. Prada follows as a plastic surgeon at St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery is to always treat patients as if they were family members. “I always say, ‘If I wouldn’t do it for my wife, sister, or mother, I wouldn’t do it for my patient.” Dr. Prada, who joined the practice in St. Louis after training with renowned plastic surgeons Scott Spear, M.D., and J. William Little, M.D., at Georgetown University Hospital, says humility is an important trait in his work. “I feel humbled by my profession,” Dr. Prada says, “because I feel so lucky to be able to do what I love to do every day, yet at the same time I respect the potential risks that can come with any surgery.” Dr. Prada was wonderful. He took his time during the consultation. I did not feel pressured or rushed during any visit. This was my first surgery ever and Dr. Prada put my mind at ease. I am very comfortable with Dr. Prada and his entire staff. I definitely recommend Dr. Prada and St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery for any procedure that you are interested in having done. Dr. Prada earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his medical degree from the State University of New York Health Sciences Center. He completed a general surgery residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center in California before completing a 2-year fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center. Dr. Prada then received additional fellowship training in breast and cosmetic surgery under Dr. Spear and Dr. Little. Dr. Prada returned to St. Louis in 2004 as an assistant professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Saint Louis University Hospital, teaching both medical students and residents. He helped teach a course for physicians on eyelid surgery, brow lifts, and mid-facelifts. Dr. Prada joined St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery in 2006, but still maintains a clinical faculty position at St. Louis University and is involved in resident education. At our practice, Dr. Prada specializes in facial rejuvenation techniques and cosmetic surgery for the body and breasts. He is also experienced in the delicate art of micro fat injection to the face and body. I think most plastic surgeons are attracted to the combination of art and science that defines our field. I know that’s what attracted me to plastic surgery. I also love that our results can be subjectively graded, as opposed to most surgical fields where you are either fixing something or cutting it out! My strongest mentor in life has been my father. He emigrated to the U.S. from Colombia and worked hard to get his degree from MIT and a Ph.D. from Syracuse University. He helped raise 2 sons and a daughter while getting an education. He always stressed the value of hard work and dedication. From a professional standpoint, Dr. Scott Spear, who chairs the plastic surgery department at Georgetown University, gave me the guidance, confidence, and surgical skills needed to become successful. There are many, but one that stands out is a 16-year-old girl with a massive difference in breast size. One of her breasts was a DD bra cup size and the other breast essentially failed to develop. I created a 2-stage surgical plan that involved a reduction followed by inserting implants to produce very symmetrical results. The girl and her mother said the surgery gave her the confidence and ability to interact with friends at school. She sent me a Christmas card the following year thanking me. Those types of cases really leave a lasting impression. Dr. Prada is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has served in several professional leadership positions, including president of the St. Louis Area Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons®, in addition to being active in many regional medical organizations. Dr. Prada’s primary interests are cosmetic surgery and rapid recovery breast augmentation. He has a special interest in fat transfers to the face and body. Other procedures of interest include body lifts, abdominoplasty, periaerolar breast lift, and power-assisted liposuction. He performs surgeries at Progress West Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, and at the C.S.A. outpatient surgery center.